Fantasy Junction

Description

1997 Porsche 993 Carrera Coupe
VIN WP0AA2993VS320780
Guards Red with Black Interior

An instant classic, the 993 generation of the Porsche 911 is now highly sought after. As the last of the air-cooled 911s, they are the most developed of the original formula that first appeared in 1963. The layout of the instruments, the sheetmetal of the door, and the entire greenhouse is fundamentally unchanged from the original 911, and these cars have a feeling of solidity and craftsmanship that was not only missing from the 996 generation that replaced the 993, but is missing from almost every car made in the last 20 years.

Yet despite this old-world craftsmanship and the occasional sign that the fundamental architecture dates back to the 1960s, the 993 is impressively modern, even 25 years after its introduction. The sophisticated multilink rear suspension and massive rear tires make the rear placement of the engine a non-issue, while the twin plug 3.6 liter flat-6 is a torquey high-performance unit that is both tractable and full of character. The brakes, always a Porsche strong suit, are superb, and the gearbox is Porsche's robust 6-speed G50 unit. Sophisticated and high performing but also capturing the essence of the original 911, the 993 is the best of both worlds. 993s are true classics that can be driven and enjoyed daily in modern traffic.

The 993 was available in a variety of forms, with naturally-aspirated and turbocharged engines, rear and four wheel drive, tiptronic or manual transmissions, wide and narrow bodies, and in open and closed forms. The Carrera Coupe combined the clean profile and naturally-aspirated 3.6 liter twin plug flat-six backed by a 6-speed manual transmission with the clean and pure lines of the classic 911 profile, creating the purist’s choice in the 911 line.

This particular 6-speed 993 coupe is a truly spectacular example. Superb in every respect, it would be difficult to imagine a finer example. It has exceptionally low mileage, is exhaustively documented, is extremely complete, and retains all its original paint. Sold new on 5 May 1997 by the legendary Porsche dealer Vasek Polak, this car retains its original license plate frames, paper plates, and original 3V California license plates. Also included with the car is a Vasek Polak envelope containing documents from the car’s original purchase: the original purchase invoice, due bill, odometer statement, agreement to furnish insurance, and the business cards of both the salesman who sold the car new and Vasek Polak’s sales manager.

The original window sticker is also in the car’s file, along with Certificate of Authenticity, which indicates that this car’s MSRP was $68,484 and was equipped with the following options:
US Standard Emissions
17” Pressure Cast Light Alloy Wheels
4 Rim Caps w/Porsche Crest
HiFi Sound System
Porsche Floor Mats – Black
AM/FM Radio w/CD Player
Power Seats Package
Michelin Tires

The car’s first owner was a resident of Palos Verdes Estates and retained the car for nearly 20 years, fastidiously servicing the car rather than allowing it to develop “sit-itis.” He was extraordinarily preservation-minded, going as far as to remove the original wheels and tires and replace them with an identical brand new set in order to preserve the original ones. The included service records show routine maintenance throughout the car’s life, including new tires in 2013 and regular fluid changes, including a service 200 miles ago in May of 2016 which included an oil and filter change, transmission oil change, brake fluid flush, all new belts, updated pulleys, and replacement of cracked bolster end caps and wiper bump stop. The car remains essentially as new with updated LED front turn signals, and HID headlights (factory optional but installed later). Since the original purchaser, this car has had two subsequent owners, both in Northern California, making this a lifelong California car.

Today, this Porsche presents beautifully with original factory Guards Red paint that is exceptionally well-preserved and glossy throughout. This wonderfully maintained Porsche has been so carefully used, one is hard pressed to detect even mild evidence of road wear on the car. There are a few chips from road use which have been touched up, but the paint is otherwise superb. The body is in excellent condition, showing excellent factory door, trunk, and hood gaps, exceptional fit along the front and rear bumpers, with superb trim, excellent lenses, and original factory glass. The paint meters even and thin and the wheels are in near new condition with no curb rash and beautiful silver finish accenting the Guards Red body and color crests adorning the wheel center caps. The overall look and feel of this car is all the more dramatic, with the contrasting signature 911 profile rendered in the quintessential shade of bright red. It is difficult to convey just how spectacular the cosmetic condition of this example is, but it is truly exceptional.

The original interior shows virtually no wear, with excellent leather seat upholstery and leatherette finishes throughout the interior. The door panels, including door pulls and door pocket lids are also in essentially new condition. The center console features the original CDR-220 radio and of course, the 6-speed gearshift: a legendary and now rare hallmark of Porsche performance cars. The carpeting is basically unworn and the optional floor mats remain in very nice condition as well. The dashboard, gorgeous instruments, and center console are all in near new condition with all switches and functions operating as expected. The headliner, sun visors, and control surfaces are all uniformly crisp and near new in their presentation. The overall fit and finish of the interior is fresh, cohesive, and exhibits all the traits of a properly stored and minimally used car.

The engine compartment and trunk are both unmodified and in extraordinarily nice condition. The original engine is absolutely correct and properly maintained offering more torque and power than the early 993 motors without Varioram. The trunk is, once again, as new, offering exceptionally fine original materials and factory finishes and proving that the trunk carpets of the 993 did in fact once look new. The crisp presentation continues underneath the carpets, including the collapsible spare tire (never used), proper black molded components, factory treated metal parts, and correct hardware.

The car starts instantly and the clutch and gearbox work in perfect harmony, owing in part to the low miles and constant care that has been afforded to this exceptional car. The motor provides a wonderful induction roar and pulls cleanly and crisply throughout the rev range.. The suspension has the wonderfully-talkative 911 character, while the brakes offer a firm pedal and remain some the easiest to modulate and most intuitive ever fitted to a road car. The chassis is composed, tight, and authentic, showing no evidence of structural compromise when inspecting the underside and retaining undisturbed factory-applied Cosmoline throughout.

The car comes with a complete set of factory books, owner’s manual, 3 original keys, factory compressor, tool roll with tools, and factory jack. The car is also accompanied by original 3V California license plates (front and rear), the original Cup II 17” wheels and tires, an extra set of exhaust tips, and misc. spare parts removed form the car during service (hood struts, belts, and airbox cover). Documentation includes the original window sticker, purchase papers, salesman’s business card, purchase invoice, and other assorted documents. For anyone seeking a time capsule of performance delight and captivating lineage, this exceptional car truly exceeds even the most particular enthusiast’s expectations.

This is a unique opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional car. Not only is the mechanical and cosmetic condition of this low-mileage car exemplary, its provenance and documentation simply could not be finer. Sold by a legendary dealer that is now defunct and complete with a plethora of supporting documentation from that dealer, this car has remained in California its entire life and has a comprehensive paper trail. Truly a preservation grade example of purist’s pick of Porsche’s last air-cooled 911, this car will delight the most demanding collector who appreciates the very best.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

Inquire About This Car

Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608